Another birthday is upon me. As I reflect on this past year, I realize that most of what I’ve learned has to do with babies. No surprise really since last April I was in my last trimester with Munch. So what did my 30th year of life teach me?

First, pee every time you get the chance, even if you don’t think you have to go.

I don’t know about you, but growing up, my mom was always telling us to use the bathroom “while you have the chance.” Before we walked out the door, we were shepared to the bathroom. After lunch in the mall, we were trundled off to the potty, protesting that we didn’t have to go. What I didn’t realize, until now, is that my mom was right. Alway take advantage to a bathroom break whether it’s needed or not. I can not tell you how many times I’ve found myself with Leina sleeping peacefully in my arms while I squirm and crunch trying not to think of running water or bursting dams. Before I leave for a store, I always hit the bathroom because it takes a contortionist to manuever a stroller with small child into a bathroom stall. And lets face it, peeing with someone watching (even your own kid) is kind of creepy. So bathroom breaks….good things.

Second, always keep Cheerios on you. I think they should rename them Happios. I have run out of fingers and toes to count the number of times Cheerios have managed to distract and engage Leina at a crucial moment. Crying in the carseat? Jam some O’s into her mouth and watch her munch happily away. Fussing in high chair? A liberal sprinkling of O’s in her tray will buy you enough time to load a few dishes or wipe down a counter. Stuck in the world’s slowest 12 Item or Less “Express” Lane? That’s right, it’s Cheerios to the rescue! I have a bag in my purse, a bag in the car and another stashed in her stroller. If you could buy stock in just Cheerios, I’d be a major share holder.

And finally, the last lesson this last year has taught me is to lower my expectations. Before Munch, a productive morning would be to call back four clients, draft a discovery request and haggle over the production of priviledged documents. Now, a good morning means I’ve brushed my teeth and eaten something. My goal for the day has been reduced from 8 billable hours to getting out of pj, a comb through my hair and the baby fed. Sometimes when Kevin comes home and asks what I did during the day, all I can point to is a pile of dirty diapers, a room strewn with baby toys and a stack to baby dishes in the sink. And that’s considered a good day!

So it’s only taken me 30 years to learn to pee often, eat cheerios and take my time. Am I a fast learner or what?